Rheumatoid arthritis vs gout
Gout is an inflammatory disorder characterized by increased uric acid levels in the blood. The cause of gout is mostly increased protein breaking down (catabolism) while rheumatoid is an autoimmune disorder with an unknown cause. Gout as well as rheumatoid arthritis affect small joints. The most affected joint of gout is the metatarsophalangeal of the big toe, so rheumatoid affecting the big toe is usually mistaken with gout. Doctors always ask patients to have CBC (complete blood count) or urinalysis to measure the amount of uric acid in the body fluids and to determine whether it is gout or RA.
The precipitated uric acid crystal in body joints causes an inflammatory response against joints like inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. Swollen, red, and painful joints are noticed in both disorders. Attacks of gout and rheumatoid are exaggerated in the morning and after doing exercises. Unlike rheumatoid, the inflammation of gout does not affect tendons and ligaments.
